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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on Callaway Elyte X driver.
Meet Callaway’s most forgiving driver from their Elyte range. The driver that delivers stand-out distances in a club golfer-friendly club head. Callaway’s Elyte X driver is designed to help golfers increase their launch, but how does it perform? We went to the La Cala Golf Resort to find out…
A very consistent driver that feels both light to swing but strong enough at impact to hit good distances. I’m not usually a golfer who would put a 10K MOI driver in the bag, but this could be an exception.
The levels of forgiveness were extremely impressive and I was able to manufacture a straight, neutral ball flight. For those who seek added launch this is a great option.
PROS
CONS
The head of the driver is much elongated than that of a standard or low spin driver. It almost felt double the length of the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond option.
To me, it looked extremely hittable and for want of a better phrase appeared as though making solid contact with the golf ball is a formality. The footprint of the head is enormous and feels like I could send the ball to the moon.
I think this profile will be extremely beneficial for those golfers who need help launching the ball in the air regularly and to have more forgiveness off the face. The fact the club looks inviting to throw up the golf ball is a really good thing.
Additionally, a shallow face, a weight port in the back and heel of the club, a 13g weight on the back that can move into draw bias all adds to the forgiveness of the driver.
What’s interesting about the Callaway Elyte X driver is that it has been built slightly different. Callaway haven’t built the head to be 10K MOI, instead they have built it to have a really high MOI at 9K or so, but the main forgiving component is the face. The face is the most forgiving that they could possibly design which in practice makes the driver behave more like an 11K MOI driver.
The regulations permit the construction of an 11K driver which in a way means this driver cheats the system. I do think this face is special and is different from what other brands are doing.
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I found the driver to be extremely easier to hit. From the first strike the increase in launch was very noticeable, it seemed as though the golf ball was in the air for an eternity.
The ball speed, per the graphic above, wasn’t as quick as my usual strikes. The club head speed was also down. It’s my personal opinion that larger footprint drivers don’t swing as quickly as the lower swinging. That’s purely my view and not necessarily based on fact.
I would describe the sensation of hitting this club as a one of being a really fun driver to hit. Knowing you’re able to carry the ball a great distance with such a high ball flight is a cool feeling to have and eradicates any nerves one may have stood on the tee box.
Even though the launch and spin rate was a bit higher, I wasn’t particularly losing much distance.
The levels of forgiveness were impressive considering this driver is obviously directed at higher handicap golfers. A stable ball flight was also promising as many club golfers tend to struggle with accuracy off the tee with the common miss being out to the right. The 13g weight on the back of the club always to straighten the ball flight out for more consistent strikes.
Consistency on the whole was impressive. I think what’s interesting is when swinging the club it feels light but as you make contact with the golf ball it feels adequately strong. This contrast is something I like in a driver, I want it to feel as though I can swing it fast but I don’t I don’t want it to be tinny when I strike it.
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Putting a maximum forgiveness, 10K driver in my bag would never cross my mind. Generally they don’t suite my eye. But I have to say, the consistency in which I hit this driver does live me open to be persuaded to game this club.
Callaway has done an amazing job with the Elyte X driver.
For golfers who struggle with launch but still want good distances, this driver is the best in class.
Available: Pre-sale from the 15th of January. Retail from the 31st of January.
RRP: £569 / $599.99
Shafts: True Temper Project X Denali Charcoal, Mitsubishi Chemical Vanquish PL and WMS Mitsubishi Chemical Eldio.
Lofts: 9°, 10.5° and 12°.
More information: Callaway UK / Callaway US
We were fortunate enough to head out to the La Cala Resort in Spain to conduct some of our equipment reviews. A picturesque resort that is located in the Sierra de Mijas, just 30 minutes from Málaga Airport and 20 minutes from Marbella.
The place offers outstanding views of the Andalusian countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as well as three magnificent golf courses. All three were designed by Cabell B. Robinson and it’s a popular choice for players seeking variety, challenge, and stunning scenery. For more information head to La Cala Resort’s website here.
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